The infiltration of full-size SUVs into the ultra-luxury car market left many skeptical that an SUV could capture the dignity and regal nature of these legacy nameplates. But the Bentley Bentayga proves heritage and SUVs shouldn't necessarily be mutually exclusive. First introduced in 2016, with a heavily revised iteration arriving in 2020, the Bentley Bentayga continues to be a class leader in its field with imposing exterior aesthetics, powerful engines, and opulent interiors. For 2022, consumers get technology updates, a new 'S' model, and a unique entertainment package.
2022 Bentley Bentayga Powertrains And Drivetrains
For 2022, the Bentley Bentayga is offered with three major powertrains. Base 'S' variants come standard with a four-liter 542-hp twin-turbocharged V8. The Bentayga Speed features a massive six-liter 626-hp W12 engine. One of the largest available in any SUV on the market today. Bentaygas with the 4.0 V8 achieves 17 mpg combined while 6.0 W12 Bentaygas achieve 14 mpg combined. For a buyer looking for both efficiency and luxury, the Bentayga is also available as a plug-in hybrid. PHEV Bentaygas feature a 443-hp turbocharged V6 that charges a 17 kWh lithium-ion battery. In city driving, the SUV can operate for 31 miles battery-only. In hybrid mode, the Bentayga PHEV achieves 45 MPGe in mixed driving. All Bentley Bentaygas come standard with a smooth eight-speed automatic transmission and AWD.
2022 Bentley Bentayga Performance And Handling
Offerings from Bentley are not particularly known for speed, despite their potent engines. The British company is primarily known for its massive sedans that evoke thoughts of everything but sporting prowess. The Bentayga, however, is surprising throughout all of its trim levels.
The new Bentayga 'S' is the entry-level offering. The twin-turbo V8 can propel the massive SUV to 60 mph in only 4.4 seconds. An astounding 516 lb-ft of torque puts the driver into the back of their seat up to the SUV's top speed of 180 mph. The Bentayga Speed variant further pushes the limits of the SUV world with its powerful W12 engine that rockets the SUV to 60 in only 3.8 seconds. An astounding 663 lb-ft of torque is available on tap with a top speed of 190 mph. The 443-hp Bentayga Hybrid is undoubtedly the most subdued variant in the bunch. The Bentayga hits 60 mph in a still quick 5.2 seconds with a top speed of 158 mph. Handling of the Bentayga is steady but the physics of a large SUV hitting a corner is something very difficult to overcome. While solid and stable, the comfort-biased Bentayga can be floaty in precarious maneuvers with ample amounts of body roll.
2022 Bentley Bentayga Interior, Quality, And Technology
With the exception of Rolls-Royce, most car manufacturers fail to capture true interior quality the way Bentley does. In line with their coachbuilding heritage, the interior quality of the Bentayga is among the best in the industry. Soft-touch surfaces coat the entire interior of the vehicle. Even the chrome-plated steel climate vents drip a type of luxury that luxury manufacturers lost in the last century. Bentley also has proven that quality does not mean archaic. Technology and class British luxury seamlessly flow together inside the thoughtfully crafted cabin of the Bentley Bentayga.
Borrowed from the Flying Spur, the Bentayga now receives a fully digital smart gauge cluster. A larger 10.9-inch capacitive touchscreen with integrated SIM is also now standard. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are now fully integrated, meaning consumers can put their phone down on the wireless charging pad and forget the cables of the past. A 20-speaker audio system powered by Naim is the only sound consumers will hear inside the densely insulated cabin, complete with dual-pane glass. A welcome roar of the V8 or W12, however, will occasionally infiltrate the interior.
Rear seat occupants of the Bentley Bentayga suffer gladly. Configurations include a seven-seat variant for families, a five-seat variant, and a four-seat Mulliner package designed for chauffeur-driven vehicles. The Mulliner package includes two rear captain's chairs, a wine chiller, Bentayga champagne flutes, and dual entertainment systems. That level of back seat ambiance is likely why Queen Elizabeth II has ordered two examples for her royal fleet. The rear cargo space of the Bentayga is also ample with 62.6 cubic feet of cargo space. In third row variants, the seats fold flat and do not intrude on the cargo room, though consumers do lose the underfloor spare tire well.
2022 Bentley Bentayga Pricing
Bentley has always been known for producing some of the finest vehicles in the world. Their refusal to bend to automotive cost-cutting tradition has also made them some of the most expensive cars people can buy, and the Bentayga is no exception. With the vehicle's incredible powertrains, status, and quality comes a price.
The Bentley Bentayga Hybrid is the most cost compelling offering, beginning at $187,600. The base V-8 'S' Bentayga starts at $219,800. While a flagship W12 Bentley Bentayga Speed starts at $245,000. The $55,000 Mulliner package brings the Bentayga over $300,000, but it does not stop there. From custom wheels to custom paint and interior, Bentley will completely custom fabricate any portion of the Bentayga to a customer's specification. But with production examples in mind, ensure a budget of at least half a million to get into the custom territory. Overall, the Bentayga is one of the finest SUVs money can buy, and pricing reflects that quality.